Now thats a Sale...

So a few retailers' sale campaigns have caught my eye via the millions of emails they send me to remind me that I need to buy something from them. So instead of breaking down and spending money that I really shouldn't I figured I'd spread the word so my readers can spend money that they really shouldn't. See how thoughtful I am...

But before you start shopping Check out Ebates Here First. Its an awesome, simple to use site that basically pays you to use their site. Start there and log in, type in your online store and it will take you to the store's site where you shop and buy as normal. Then ebates will send you an email on how much cash back you've earned. It's really that simple.

Items I'm KOVETING:

Via Anthropologie's Clearance Sale:

Gretchen One Piece was $138, now $70

Vivid Bits One Piece was $328, now $150

Current/Elliot Polka Dot Stiletto Crops was $228, now $100
STYLE IT: Pair with a black or pink and white gingham shirt and heels 

Broken Pleats Skirt was $148, now $40
STYLE IT: Pair with a loosely fitted v neck t and flats or the vivid bits mailot

Via Kate Spade, private sample sale: Kate Spade Sample Sale Enter Here

Transitioning Weather

So weather has been a bit wonky here in the DC area as usual. One day it's shorts and flip flops the next day it's rainboots and sweaters so you have to know how to transition your look with layers to stretch your wardrobe for the changes that come your way.

For the Nice Days: Denim Shirt: Gap, Leopard Pencil Skirt: J Crew, Handbag: LAMB, Shoes: Tahari

For the Not so Nice Days:  Mock Neck Sweater: J Crew, Handbag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Michael Kors, Necklace: Marc Jacobs

Kovet, Keep, Kut List this week

KOVETTING...

Well I'm coveting a lot. Of course I am because my birthday and any other gift giving holiday is months away so when my BDay comes around there will be nothing on my wish list cuz all the spring collections are out of stock....Woe is me!! Anywho... These are a few pieces I've been kovetting to add to the wardrobe.

KEEP...

Rainy Day in the Market

This weekend's weather was a bit unpredictable, it was cloudy and looked like rain would be inevitable but all we got was a brief mist and some obnoxious wind. Either way I dressed for the expected moisture and pulled out my most comfy rain boots for a day of outdoor shopping at Eastern Market. Rules of the day:

#1 A comfy easy outfit doesnt have to be complex but it also doesn't have to be sweats and Uggs. Throw on some well fitted jeans with a cute yet comfy sweater and some flats.

#2 For unpredictable weather days dress in layers. Layer a tshirt or sweater with a thin jacket like a leather or a trench, add a pashmina scarf and an umbrella to your bag and you're prepared for the unexpected breeze or a chilly restaurant.

Top & Black Sqin Jean: H&M, Leather Jacket: Banana Repulblic, Bag: Fendi, Rainboots: Loeffler Randall,
 Bracelets: Yellow-JCrew,Gold-H&M, Mixed-Thrifted

What do you wear on rainy days in the city?

Little Touches of My Resting Grounds

So Spring is here and I hate cleaning, but one thing I do love is organizing.  I get that most think this should go hand in hand but for me it doesn't. I like making things look pretty and making sure everything have its home. Currently obsessed with keeping my drawers neat as I transition from winter sweaters to shorts and tanks in my drawer space.  My summer wardrobe never fills my drawers up because I dont buy many clothes I cant wear year around but I think I have enought to get me throught the projected scorchers. So this is just a sneak peak into the little touches of my room that make me smile everyday.

What's Working with...Stripes and Plaid

Who says you can only wear patterns with solids.  It can be a little tricky to find a balance when trying to mix prints but why not go for it. 
I've been obsessed with this new striped shirt I picked up at a J Crew Outlet last month and after reading several tips about finding the value in wardrobe purchases, I'm determined I have to find at least 3 ways to work each piece before I'm allowed to keep it.  So this is a keeper! Not only have I found 3 ways to wear it, but 3 ways to wear it with plaid so I have endless solid opportunities.

1. Sweater: Rachel Roy, Striped Shirt and Plaid Pants: J Crew Factory, Belt:  Gap, Shoes: Prada, Bracelet Watch: Burberry, Bracelet:  Thrifted

2. Striped Shirt: J Crew Factory, Plaid Skirt: Thrifted, Shoes: Michael Kors, Necklace: Anthropologie

3. Striped Shirt, Pliad Shirt and Shorts: J Crew Factory, Shoes: Tory Burch Jellies, Bag: Marni for H&M, Bracelet: J Crew

#1. Pick a common thread, either a color combo or the same pattern. The first look uses navy as a common thread to unify the look. Even using 3 distinct prints works because it all uses navy.

#2. Sometimes opposites attract, but you can pull it all together with a color throughout the outfit to unify the look. Here I chose a skirt with a lot of brown so I took a necklace with brown tones to tie the top of the outfit with the bottom.

#3. Match the widths. Both the stripe in the shorts and the shirt are about the same just going in opposite directions and are in the same color family, its a stretch but it can work for a casual running errands look.

What's Working with Neons

Sometimes I see a trend or just something I love that inspires me before it becomes the next big thing and try to figure out how it will work for me.  One big trend for the spring/summer is neons.  Neons are very bold colors reminding many of us of the 80's or a highlighter. Since work is where I spend most of my wardrobe time, my goal was to find a way to incorporate that trend with something office appropriate.

So here's three different looks of how I made neon work for work.

#1. For the subtle trend seeker.
Go for something simple like a fitted neon t shirt or belt.  Following a trend doesn't have to be a big investment. Go as big or as small as you like.


Pants Suit: H&M (old), Shoes: Cole Haan, T Shirt: J Crew Outlet, Necklace: Anthro, Clutch: Thrift Store



#2. A little more daring.

Swimming for the 70's At Heart...at any age

Swimming for the 70's At Heart...at any age by stylingbynumbers featuring a 80s fashion

I've had an obsession with retro bikini's for a few years now.  A couple of years ago I spotted a jcrew retro bloomers bikini bottom that I had to have no matter what the cost.  I think they ended up being $68 but it was worth it because I will wear them for years to come. This is a shot of me in June 2010. 

Kovet, Keep, Kut List- Color Blocked Bag and Bright Bottoms for Any Age

KOVETING...

This week I'm koveting a lot.  I sam this Philip Lim bag at the Barney's in Georgetown and immediately fell in love.  I think this will surely be bumped up to the top of my next bag list.  I love a bright trouser and these JCrew options (Hutton) come in my favorite color green and an awesome shade of purple. This outfit is something I would throw together to go anywhere.  The look has enough edge to work from day to night and enough color to stand out anywhere you go without trying too hard or trying to be a trendy teen. 

My other koveted obsession is a pump with a lucite heel. I found a pair that's been on my radar for a few months I just havent yet pulled the trigger. These Prada options are very similar but they have a peep toe which makes it a little more spring appropriate that can work dressy or casual.

Koveting this Week by stylingbynumbers featuring a leather bangle

KEEPING...

Kovet, Keep, Kut List

So the Marni for H&M has come and gone.  I was able to see a few pieces and I wasn't a huge fan of as much as I thought I would be and I wasn't willing to camp out for a couple of necklaces and a possibility of a handbag.  Unlike in the past H&M smartened up and changed the return policy for their Guest Designer collections after the Versace collection return swarm on day 29 so its now a 10 day policy for these pieces and after 10 days no store credit, no nothing, it's yours.

KOVETING...
On my Kovet list this week is a bag I spotted in a local Anthropologie... I kinda loved it but I'm trying to be good since I have a vacation to save for in which I want to be able to eat something other than Ramen.

Anthropologie bag, Item # 23610926, $228

KEEPING...

What's Working this Week

As we quickly transition from "winter" to official spring, I'm just as quickly ditching the thought of tights and showing a little more leg at work.  I have some who think work=panty hoes no matter the weather but I'm not one of those people.

Reed Krakoff "Boxer tote", Nine West "Sweetgirl" pumps via Nordstrom, J Crew Star-dip ballet flats, J Crew Memo Dress in Warm Sienna, Banana Republic button back shirt in black

 STYLE ME BY NUMBERS...
#1 A clean cut, no frills dress with sleeves is something I would wear everyday for work if I could.  This one is a classic camel color that looks good with most skin tones but is also available in about 5 other colors which I may break down and buy as well.  So look for a dress with a length right above the knee and that fits well but not tight for the office. #2 This look is easy for all year around wear so worth the investment.  Think in layers! This can be worn alone or with a cardigan over or a blouse under as I've done here.  #3 I have an office shoe and a commute shoe. I work where the streets are paved with bricks which hurts any possibility of stilletos so take a neutral flat instead of sneaker that you wont be ashamed of if you run into your boss on the way in.  #4 Top off the look with a statement bag. It doesnt have to be designer but with an outfit like this you can go for color or go for a stand out print.

NUMBERS CRUNCH...
J Crew Memo Dress-$89.99 in store, MSRP $188
Banana Republic Button Back Shirt-$19.99, MSRP $59.50
J Crew Star Dip Ballet Flat-$37.50, MSRP $118
Nine West Sweet Girl Pump-$45, MSRP $88
Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote in Nude/Shearling...VDay Gift-Priceless :)
Total Cost-$192.5, MSRP $453.5

WEEKLY DEALCAP...

Whats Working this Week

This was another short week in the office so I only had to pull together two outfits and both days I woke up late and had to throw something quick together.  Does day lights savings time affect anyone else this much?...Well nonetheless, this is what I came up with.


3/4 Sleeve Turtleneck-Gap, Belt-Banana Rep. Outlet (old), Pants- NY&Co (old), Shoes-Tahari via Macys


STYLE ME BY NUMBERS...
#1 a basic turtleneck is a great basic to have to throw on for the cooler days that you can easily dress up or dress down  #2 Dont be scared to mix those basic colors that may not be known to go well together, brown and gray look great together, so does brown and navy. Dont limit yourself with color rules. #3 For work in the office keeping it classic is always the easiest if styling isn't your thing.  A simple pointy toe flat in chocolate and a matching chocolate belt keep it simple but the bow detailing on the shoe and the gold hardware on the belt make it youthful without being childish.

NUMBERS CRUNCH...
Gap 3/4 sleeve turtleneck-$11, MSRP 29.50
NY&Co Pants via Marshalls-$12.99, MSRP 44.50
Banana Republic Outlet Belt-$12, MSRP 39.50
Tahari "Maestro" Flats via Macys in store- $26, MSRP 98.00
Total Outfit Cost-$62, MSRP-$211

WEEKLY DEALCAP...

Whats Working this Week

So this was a short week for me, only 2 days in the office, the others in my pajamas. And on top of that I only remembered to take a pic once...I promise to get better. This outfit was pretty simple and very easy to replicate. 

STYLE ME BY NUMBERS...
#1 a basic button down shirt that fits well, #2 a pair of wide leg trousers/khakis, #3 jazz it up with a printed shoe. Simple yet stylish and office and cobblestone road friendly.

NUMBERS CRUNCH...
Banana Republic Button Back Top in black- $19.99 (MSRP-59.50)
J Crew Belt- $14.99 (MSRP-44.50)
H&M Trend Slacks (old)-$20 (MSRP-49.90)
Cole Haan Leopard Print Small Wedge Shoes (not shown)-$35 via Saks Off 5th (MSRP-199.00)
Total Outfit Cost-$90, Total Outfit MSRP-$354

Once again you dont have to shop discount stores to find discounts. Retailers want to get rid of their inventory, especially in store and there is always a deal to be found.




















WEEKLY DEALCAP...

Kovet, Keep, Kut List of the Week

I've been having my eye on a few of the accessory pieces from the Marni for H&M line that launched today.  I saw most of it in person and I wasn't in love with much but here are a few "koveted" pieces that are just out of my reach-simply because I refuse to camp out overnight for a new necklace.

KOVETING... 

 

KEEPING...

Kovet, Keep, Kut List of the Week-TJMaxx Edition

Growing up a in a TJMaxx and Marshall's household, I was taught from the very beginning some things are worth the time and patience. A diamond in the rough is awaiting me under that pile of irregular tights and last season's department store leftovers. 
KOVETING...
I kovet things in TJMaxx all the time, especially in the Runway collection and the home furnishings that even at the discounted prices, are a little to rich for my blood, but every now and then I'll break the rules and splurge on a thing or few. 

Loeffler Randall via TJMaxx

These Loeffler Randall boots have been my ultimate go to during our random rainy days, They look great for a work commute under a slack or with a skirt because of the dressier pointy toe, and even though they are a tad big they are the most comfortable and easy to get on and off (very important) rainboots I own. They are also sold at Bloomingdales in tall and short options and can usually be found on sale there right after the winter season. And Now I kovet these for more colors, maybe the tan.

KEEPING...

Tis the Season to Take Inventory

The major holidays are over and now many retailers are preparing for inventory by getting rid of their fall/winter collections both online and in stores.  While many areas nationwide are just getting their first taste of winter, many brick and mortar chains are offering even further discounts to physically make room for their new spring wardrobe offerings.  This is the key time to purchase sweaters and coats, but before we grab our keys and run to the mall its time for us to take inventory of our closets.

I oftentimes get into sale mode, the stores lure me in and I take the bait and buy, buy, buy because who can beat that deal but I've stopped and realized do I really need/want it or is it just something I'm buying because its on sale. I mean do I really need another pair of gray wool slacks? Even if they are 75% off.

So time to take inventory, figure out what you really have and then determine what you really need/want.  My first step is to get organized to make life a lot easier. I keep my closet and drawers organized as seen in the pics belows by following some simple tips I learned from various sources including an episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy...don't judge me.

1. If you're limited on closet space make sure you are using your floor and wall space to your greatest advantage. I've done this by hanging two rows of shelves on each side directly above my hanging rods. These shelves allow me to store my shoes and my handbags without having a pile in the floor.  Additionally, I first sort and section the items by type shirts, dresses, blazers, pants, skirts-All on matching hangers of course (I have the slim black velvet now, I've found they allow me to cram more into the space). I then sort by color family and finally I try to sort by sleeve length which is completely unnecessary but it helps me some.  More closet pics, before and afters of some clients' closets I've worked with coming soon.

A Peek Into My Closet

2. Shoe storage that saved my life. Shoe boxes are nice because you can stack them but not so nice because you have to remember which shoe is in that box and if you're disorganized like some people I know, um me, myself and I, then you may end up sticking shoes back in the wrong box which makes it a guessing game. For this reason I found it to be well worth the investment to buy clear shoe boxes from The Container Store. Yes they can be pricey but if you think of it as shoe maintenance its cheaper than the tax you paid for the shoe and its going to help preserve them and cut down your time to shoe hunt in the morning.

What's Your Favorite Fashion Decade

When asked the question what decade would you liked to have lived in or experienced I always think back to the 70s. I loved the big whispy hair, platforms, the flared jeans and the vibrant colors and graphic prints and everything that embodies the style of the 70s.  Even when I was househunting this past year, I quickly narrowed down my search to homes from the 60s and 70s, preferably with original wallpaper (unfortunately I didnt score on the wallpaper front but I did get my 1970 house). Although I havent quite figured out how to best incorporate the era into my home, for the past five years I've been pretty into super flared jeans and floral/graphic prints but they've been hard to find in a lot of the large retail chains since skinny jeans have taken over the world so when I've found them, I've scooped them up for some pretty amazing deals. Luckily the reatilers have finally caught up to meet my needs and the past few seasons have been filled with 70s trends on the runway which has transpired into retailers offering a large variety of the retro inspired stylings. 

 (Top-H&M Item # 82371, Jeans-Gap, Bag-Zara )